Get Things Done Using the Pomodoro Technique

As rabbis, educators, and executive directors, we are all juggling a very busy schedule. Between our teaching schedules, personal responsibilities and more, it can be a major challenge to find the time to stay productive so that your many responsibilities—let alone your inbox—don’t pile up. After all, there may be times where you are required to network and email seemingly hundreds of people such as when you are charged with selling tickets to your raffle or annual banquet.

The following technique is known as the Pomodoro Technique which is a time management method that uses a timer to break down tasks into intervals of focus and rest.

This technique is called “Pomodoros” (or “tomatoes” in Italian), after the tomato shaped-kitchen timers that work perfectly for timing sessions. Here is how it works.

Choose a task to work on exclusively for 25 minutes.

Set a timer.

Work on the task until the timer rings.

Take a five-minute break.

Repeat this cycle four times and then take a 15-minute break.

In short, the Pomodoro Technique allows a person the ability to have short breaks for distractions, daydreaming, snacking, or whatever their heart desires—while at the same time helping a person cross the items off their “to do” list. We are certain that you’ll find this method helpful and encourage you to share with us in the comments, on Twitter, or on Facebook, what technique (especially during busy season) you use to manage your time.